Positive Practice Overcorrection: Effects of Reinforcing Correct Performance

Two studies of retarded adults residing in an institutional setting were performed to examine the results of reinforcement of correct practice of an appropriate behavior during positive practice. In each study specific motor tasks were trained using incidents of stereotypic behavior as the cue to begin positive practice of the motor task. Study I compared standard positive practice, without reinforcement, with a variant using reinforcement for unprompted correct practice. Correct performance of the task outside positive practice was reinforced in both conditions. Reinforcing correct positive practice yielded faster training of the motor task and an equivalent reduction of stereotypic behavior. Study II compared a condition in which reinforcement was available during both positive practice and regular task practice with a condition in which it was available in neither. Reinforcement produced superior effects for both acquisition and reduction, and produced fewer undesirable side effects. Possible applications of results and limitations of the study are also discussed.